Choose an External Monitor for MacBook!
MacOS Dual Monitor Setup Tutorial
2021/03/30 ｜By G Editor
"Dual Monitor"is undoubtedly a good way to improve work efficiency. As a Freelancer or Digital Nomad working all around, it is impossible to carry a MacBook and a heavy 24" monitor because of not having a fixed work desk, small coffee table, or lack of socket.
Therefore, a portable monitorormobile monitor smaller than 15 inches will be your wise choice when you go out!This article outlines five tips of how to choose an external MacBook monitor, MacBook with portable monitor connection method, and dual monitor set up.
How to Choose a Portable Monitor for your MacBook
1. Find the Right Size
The similar screen size reduces the height difference between the two monitors, making it easier to operate when you drag windows or compare data. At the same time, the lightness is also a key part to be considered. You can choose a portable monitor that is about half the weight of a MacBook for easy carrying.
▲ External monitor of similar size and resolution, so that there is no height difference when dragging the window
The following On-Lap series monitors are all covered with a compact and solid case to protect ultra-slim panel, with the advantages of lightness, thinness and durability. By unfolding the stand, On-Lap Monitors can stand next to the MacBook, easy to be moved for sharing the display with clients or colleagues.
2. Confirm the Video Interface
Quickly find the video output interfaces of your MacBook from the table below. In recent years, MacBooks adopt Thunderbolt 3 as video interface, which is compatible with USB Type-C (DP Alt Mode). If your MacBook is Thunderbolt 2 or HDMI interface, you can also use Apple's video adapter to connect with On-Lap monitors.
3. Low Power Consumption with USB Power Support is Preferred
On-Lap monitors only require up to 5V 2A of power. Turn on the monitor just by connecting to the USB port on MacBook without having to look for a socket. Or a 5V 2A power bank can also last On-Lap monitor several hours duration. If you choose the 11.6-inch On-Lap 1102H with a built-in battery, you can use 1102H for 4.5 hours without external power.
▲ Power the monitor by a Macbook
▲ Power the monitor by the power bank
4. With Color, Brightness and Low Blue Light Adjustment Function
Portable monitors may be used outdoors or indoors. The function of customizing the screen brightness according to the environment is very important. The correct setting can alleviate the fatigue of long-term viewing!
▲ Match the MacBook screen to adjust the brightness, and adapt to the environment brightness
▲ During word processing or reading, turn on the low blue light mode
Users can also fine-tune sharpness, contrast, RGB color temperature and more on the OSD menu.
▲ Adjust the sharpness and contrast on the OSD menu
▲ Adjust the RGB on the OSD menu
5. Better Use of Upright Mode
For coding engineers and software developers, simply turning the monitor upright to allow more code rows on one page, coding or debugging becomes quicker and easier. The upright mode, expanding a full A4 document on screen, is also a great help for lawyers and accountants to read judgments or financial statements. The smaller monitor is better for upright mode because the lower screen height avoids the problem for viewing reflection.
How to connect external monitor with MacBook?
• Thunderbolt 3 Version ➤
Use USB-C cable to connect the MacBook to the USB Type-C ports on monitor
• Thunderbolt 2 Version➤
Step1. Connect USB-A to USB-C power cable
Step2. Connect Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter and HDMI cable
• HDMI Version➤
Step1. Connect USB-A to USB-C power cable
Step2. Connect HDMI cable
Tips of MacOS Dual Monitor Setup
Click on Apple, select "System Preferences" → click on "Displays"
▉ Extended mode
① After the MacBook is connected to the second monitor, the default screen is the extended desktop. After clicking "Arrangement", you can drag the two screen icons to arrange the relative position.
② Drag the white menu bar at the top of the original screen and drag it to another screen to set the external monitor as the "primary display".
▉ Mirror mode (synchronous mode)
① Click and check "Mirror Displays" checkbox and the screen is synchronized.
▉ Vertical mode
① Select "270°" or "90°" for "Rotation" to put the On-Lap monitor upright. (Place the monitor in the direction not pressing the OSD buttons and cables.)
Outing Package of Dual-Monitor MacBook
Pack the monitor and MacBook into the backpack with a protective sleeve, and you will have a dual-monitor MacBook wherever you go.
Extra: Easy Setup of Five-Monitor MacBook Pro
When you are watching the stock market or need to monitor multiple stock market data, you can connect up to four monitors on MacBook Pro by the Thunderbolt 3 connectors. A multiple-monitor MacBook Pro is easy to be set up.